I Recently Re-Visited An Old Country Store And Found A New One

Smith’s Country Store is a new find for me.This man overheard me talking to the owner and
asking to make some photographs.  He was generous enough to move his automobile so as to give me an unobstructed view.  How many 'city' people would be that thoughtful? (click to enlarge)

As I am prone to do, the other day I was out wandering with my camera.  I went for a drive through the countryside on a beautiful summer day just enjoying the solitude while keeping a lookout for potential photographically pleasing subjects.  

I decided to visit an old, dilapidated country store and gasoline station that I had photographed a few times in the past.  I wanted to see how much deterioration has occurred since the last time I was there.  Additionally, I found another country store only a few miles away.  It is a store I didn't know existed, both in Sussex County, Virginia.

This is the old M.W. Dunn Grocery Store and Gas Station.  I first photographed this old place in 2005.  I discovered it accidentally while driving back home from a work assignment in another state.  Here is how the front looked then.  Also, behind and to the right of the old store was an early 1950's green Ford pickup truck as well as an old travel trailer obscured by trees.

When compared to the images just below, you can see how the paint has faded, the VW bus is now
gone from the garage and, overall, the building has deteriorated considerably. (click to enlarge)
Nikon D70; 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 lens @ 31mm; 1/400th sec. @ f/10; ISO 200

This old Ford pickup truck beside this old travel trailer are now also gone. (click to enlarge)
Nikon D200; 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 lens @ 29mm; 1/200th sec. @ f/7.1; ISO 100

Compare this image to the ones below and you can understand why I try and capture these old country stores before they are forever gone.  These old small stores are a place for local folks to 'hang out' and deepen friendships, discuss local issues and solve the world's problems.  They are slowly being replaced by the chain gas stations and stores such as 7-11, Casey's, WaWa, Sheetz, Buc-ees, etc.  Your grandchildren and great grandchildren may never know they existed and how life was in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Imagine sitting on this back seat from an old van or truck, talking about nothing and drinking an
RC Cola with a fresh Moon Pie. (click to enlarge)

Hundreds of vehicles pass the old Dunn store each day but I bet almost no one appreciates its past.
(click to enlarge)

Look at how faded these old fuel pumps are compared to the image above.  The building is quickly
disintegrating as well. (click to enlarge)

As a contrast, I found Smith's Country Store only about 15 or so miles from the Dunn store.  It is still thriving.  I walked in and asked the owner if I could make some images and he gladly said yes.  I only regret not making his portrait in one of the store's isles.  I will go back and do that in the future.  

I would bet that in another 10 years or less, Smith's store may be closed permanently.  I suspect it barely brings in enough sales to make it worthwhile staying open.  I hope it survives indefinitely.

Two gasoline pumps.  One regular and one premium. (click to enlarge)

Adjacent to the store are what I would call 'shelter's of some sort.  The kind you would find on a
farm under which the farmer would park or store his large implements.  On the other side, is a small
house, nicely kept, white clapboard with a neatly mown lawn. (click to enlarge)

Groceries, Regular and Premium gasoline and a short walk to work.What more do you need?
(click to enlarge)

I enjoy documenting these old places.  After all, they won't be around for many more decades and they, the people who ran them and what they brought to the rural community will be lost forever.

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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